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The American Legion Legacy Run

Indianapolis - LouisvilleAugust 18-23, 2009Riding for the children of fallen heroes.An online gathering of American Legion Riders and others interested in the annual American Legion Legacy Run. Click on the "Post a Comment" link following the articles below and join in the discussion!

Bill, IAW the last newsletter, I am sending you and the team an update on how our group (ALR Southern Virginia Chapter) is getting to Indy. Anyone who wants to join along the way is welcome.15 Aug- Depart Midlothian, VA at 0800. Ride Route 60 all the way across Virginia and most of the way across West Virginia, until we reach Charleston. Take I77 north to Parkersburg, WV for overnight and to meet any riders coming from northern Virginia.16 Aug- start out on route 50 across Ohio, switch to route 35 at Chillicoate, then take that all the way to I70 west. We'll take I70 into Indianapolis.These are great roads, and the Interstate riding is kept to a minimum. We had a blast riding this route last year, and the overnight in Parkersburg was a lot of fun, as well. Anyone wishing to contact me regarding a linkup, or finding the Econlodge in Parkersburg, please feel free to email me at hdpatches@hotmail.com.

For safety reasons, the American Legion Legacy Run registration staff will check for proper motorcycle endorsements on participants operators' licenses before issuing the Legacy Run bracelets on registration day, August 17, at Post 64. Don't be caught short! Make sure your license has the proper motorcycle endorsement (if required by your state) before traveling to Indianapolis.

(While you're at it, make sure your license isn't expired, either!)

Indiana's motorcycle endorsement, for example, is an "M" typed front and back on the state driver's license showing successful completion of a motorcycle skills test or course. Other state's requirements and documentation may differ.

As a reminder, every participant is required to be legally licensed and in compliance with all state motorcycle operation and insurance requirements in their home states.

Registration total now up to 160 machines and 30 passengers as of today (Apr 28, 2009). I'm adding more lodging in every city. Will announce rooms here and on www.twitter.com/legacyrun.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Friends, family and Fort Payne faithful wished the soldiers of the 1343rd Chemical Co. godspeed Tuesday as they left in buses headed to Texas and eventually Kuwait.

“We don’t say, ‘We support the troops, but…’” said Randy Owen, who sang the National Anthem before the deployment ceremony Tuesday at the Fort Payne Armory. “We say, ‘We support the troops and their families.’ If you need anything, we are there for you.”

A large crowd of friends, family and local, state and national officials gathered as about 130 troops were lined in attention to witness the morning ceremony.

“As each of you plan to deploy to Kuwait, it’s an honor to be with you to recognize your contributions,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt. “Protecting our country is something we take very seriously in Congress. You are what makes this nation great, and we will never forget that.”

The troops took a tour of Fort Payne on buses before entering Interstate 59. In Gadsden, the troops met up with about 95 other soldiers also deploying on Tuesday. From there, the National Guard soldiers head to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas before heading to the Kuwait boarder with Iraq in mid-July. The troops will offer security to convoys while deployed.

“We have the best leaders and the best soldiers in the Alabama National Guard standing before you today,” said Battalion Cmdr. Alan Nayhem. “But the real heroes are the family members.”

Many speakers, soldiers and officials, stressed community support for family members who wished their loved ones goodbye and godspeed.

“I’d like to tell you how proud I am of this group of soldiers,” said Capt Jess Howard. “The next year will be tough on you, but remember it is only a year. To the family members, be your soldiers’ rock of support.”

Fort Payne Mayor Bill Jordan told the soldiers and their families he understood the personal sacrifices each one was making.

“We salute you and wish you the best of luck,” Jordan said.

The American Legion Riders, directed by former company member Randy Ray, led the soldiers to Birmingham on motorcycles.

“All of these who have worn these colors have been there,” Ray said. “We want to support them. We want to give them a send off.”

Between the ceremony and time when troops boarded buses, they had a few hours to say goodbye to family and friends.

“God willing in 11-12 months from now we will be standing right back here in Fort Payne, Alabama,” said Maj. Gen. A.C. Blalock.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The American Legion Legacy Run planners have negotiated favorable room rates with the following properties at each nightly stop. To reserve your rooms, have a major credit card ready and ask for Legacy Run room rates on the dates indicated. Rooms reserved after the cutoff dates shown above may be available at higher price.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Just happened to stumble upon this blog. I am the State Director for Missouri. This is an excellent alternative to the Eastern Route and we may like to join you in your ride to Nashville. Sorry to hear about Stoney. I would appreciate an email or point of contact for this ride.